Chapter Summary

David's desire to build the temple. The Davidie covenant and David's prayer.

Discussion Questions for 1 Chronicles, Chapter 17

1. What is the significance of David stating he lives in a cedar house, but the Ark of the Covenant a tent? In Exodus 25:8-9, what did God tell them to build for the Ark? What insight does David’s desire to build the ark a permanent residence tell us about his heart?
2. In verse 2, what does Nathan tell David to do? Why do you think Nathan tells David to follow his heart? Does your heart want to do things for God or self more? Read Jeremiah 17:9, what does it say about our hearts? How do we make decisions with this verse in mind?
3. In verse 4, God speaks to Nathan. What does He say to him? Is David’s heart wrong for desiring to build a house for the Ark? Why do you think God did not want David to build the temple? Hint: 1 Chronicles 22:10
4. Who does God tell Nathan is to build the temple for the Ark of the Lord? How do you think David felt? Have you ever wanted to do something for God and the door was shut? How did/do you handle a no from God?
5. What are the promises God gives for David’s offspring? Do you think this encourages or discourages David? At this time in history had a king ever had a successor from his bloodline? What significance do you think that holds?
6. In David’s prayer, verses 16-20), how many times does David refer to himself as a servant? Would you describe yourself as a servant of God? Why or why not? What are some ways you can be more of a servant?
7. Humility is a significant theme throughout David’s prayer. How important is humility in our Christian walk? Do you struggle being humble? What do you think kept David so humble despite the position he held?
8. Verses 21-22 speaks of God’s covenant with the people of Israel. How does that covenant compare to the New Testament covenant? How does God redeem people since Christ’s resurrection? Do you think it was harder to follow God in the Old Testament as an Israelite or in the New Testament saved by grace available to all people? Explain.
9. In verse 23, David boldly asks God to keep his promises. Do you think David was okay to do so? Do you pray with that kind of boldness? Why or Why not?
10. This chapter speaks of God’s promises throughout it. Do you think we have any responsibility/role in the fulfillment of God’s promises? Why or why not?

Key Words/Phrase

Covenant, v. 23.

Characters

God, David, Nathan.

Strong Verse(s)

20, 27.